Process for passports is changing

What is changing and how does it affect me?

From 1 February 2010, passports for British Nationals will no longer be processed in Kuala Lumpur. They will be processed and printed centrally in a Regional Passport Processing Centre in Hong Kong. Click on our How to apply page for further details.

Why is this happening?

These changes are part of a global initiative to streamline the overseas passport operation; to reduce administration costs while improving security and maintaining a high quality of customer service.

How long will it take?

The Passport Processing Centre aims to issue all new passports within 10 working days after receiving the correct documentation and fee. You should however ensure that you allow time for delivery at both ends of the process as defined above.

Should you need to travel urgently the British Embassy will still be able to issue a travel document for emergency purposes.

Does it work?

From a recent customer surveys in the Nordic network we have received the following feedback:  

Very user friendly, No problems very smooth, Quicker than anticipated.

In parts of the world where this service has been introduced, it has been a great success.  Washington is producing passports for the whole of the Americas and Wellington covers all of Australasia with excellent results.  Over 6000 passports produced per month with 90% of them in a 10 day period.

Overall Cost

If you apply for a British passport overseas you can expect to pay:

• for your passport (the fee is the same worldwide).
• The cost of sending your application to us (as you would in the UK) 
• For the secure return of your passport and documents.